The Gay Civil Rights Activist Nearly Erased From History

Unknown to many, Bayard Rustin was the heart and soul of the civil rights movement in the United States. As Martin Luther King Jr.’s chief organizer, he helped translate the philosophy of nonviolence into direct action by organizing the 1963 March on Washington. So why isn’t he more famous? Bayard’s commitment to speaking truth to power was matched by his commitment to living out his own truth as an openly gay man. But being his authentic self in an era of widespread, open homophobia often kept Bayard away from the spotlight. From the home they once shared in New York City, his longtime partner Walter Naegle reflects on the life, love and legacy of an American hero.
This Great Big Story was made possible by P&G: US.Pg.com
SUBSCRIBE: goo.gl/vR6Acb
This story is a part of our Human Condition series. Come along and let us connect you to some of the most peculiar, stirring, extraordinary, and distinctive people in the world.
Got a story idea for us? Shoot us an email at hey [at] GreatBigStory [dot] com
Follow us behind the scenes on Instagram: goo.gl/2KABeX
Make our acquaintance on Facebook: goo.gl/Vn0XIZ
Give us a shout on Twitter: goo.gl/sY1GLY
Come hang with us on Vimeo: goo.gl/T0OzjV
Visit our world directly: www.greatbigstory.com

[@NateandNoahTryLife]

I had never heard of Bayard Rustin before, but he is clearly of note. It makes you wonder what other historical leaders were pushed aside because of their sexuality.

[@muthatucka7436]

Nate and Noah Try Life Pauli Murray to name one.

[@Praenuntium]

If he was of note, you would've heard of him.

[@muthatucka7436]

Clockwork not necessarily. Rustin's relationship with Naegle occurred in Rustin's later years so Naegle wasn't a big part of Rustin's history making years but he was significant in Rustin's personal life and that's enough.

[@morgangrider7676]

Baron von Steuben from the American Revolution. He came to America in part because he was found out in Prussia and he became one of our best military trainers. He was one of the people who actually helped us survive Valley Forge

[@erickm119]

I have since early 90's, the High School I went to was named after him. Bayard Rustin for the Humanities in NYC.

[@bmazin1377]

Weird we learned about Bayard in school but never knew he was gay

Bmazin 13 because his sexuality is not important

[@NotVeryAmusing]

I mean it kind of was. Being black and gay back then isn't the same as it is now

[@shenglongisback4688]

NotVeryAmusing especially since Black males were seen as a threat to real (white) americans ( yes i know it was wrong them to called themselves that) But too also be Gay also was more (sorry for the pun) of a kick to the nuts... for the African American community

[@j.decole5372]

@ Yes it is, that's why they purposely left it out

[@loganmartinez4461]

@@propheticsoldierthussaysth9073 ok boomer

[@lostking01]

This man should have his own statue in the capital of the United States, because for a man to be openly gay during a time of racism and homophobia... that take both courage and a strong will.

[@fairwarning4267]

Based on equality of statue destruction, which I am against but those who believe in equality and based on equality if this man had a statue they should destroy it.

[@emertolowilkersonjr1006]

Having a statue for being a gay?

[@shrekschild964]

Emertolo Wilkerson Jr read the comment again and you’ll be able to answer your own question 😂😂

[@novamarpo3]

@@fairwarning4267 What? Confederate statues should be destroyed because they are enemies of the US and should not be worshipped. Bayard Rustin was a hero, and should be revered.

[@TheWoodland12]

Yes it was very brave but at the same time he didn’t have any choice. It’s not like you can choose to be gay or not.

[@mperry4939]

Can't believe I never heard of him. Proud to be black! I love that he was never ashamed of his sexuality this is the type of leaders that needed to be brought to light during the Gay Rights Movement. #POWERFUL

[@donaustin7374]

What did God say about man lying with man?

[@TTv__Jewon_]

@@donaustin7374 wat did he say exactly 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@plutonium09]

@@donaustin7374 nothing he said man should not lay with child

[@ily5540]

@@plutonium09 we love an educated human

[@FBvio]

@@donaustin7374 who heard God say it?

[@nickc3657]

A crucial figure in American history!

[@masonallen3961]

Edan Lazarus No. In a great way.

[@AnitaCock]

I concur!

[@johnmccormick1061]

What a great man ... people should know his name, he is an integral part of American history 👍

[@insan8ty]

Aw, their relationship seems so loving. Thank you for telling us who he is, we will remember him. But I also have a question. How was he legally able to adopt you as his son despite you being over the age of 18?

[@walternaegle8084]

Age, at least in NY State, doesn't matter when it comes to adoption.

[@Picachki]

You can adopt adults in certain states. It’s for legal matters but also for the emotional component. During this time gay marriage probably was not legal.

[@issavibez394]

@Picachki Obama was the one who approved it and that why most gay folks love him which he has done nothing for his people here

[@justthat69]

Not gay but I can understand how this mean for gay,trans people.

[@badaramjoe1058]

Yes you are.

[@emertolowilkersonjr1006]

Gay. No doubt.

[@georgeplagianos6487]

This is something all peoples can learn from. How instrumental he was in the Civil Rights Movement. Being a mentor to Martin Luther King in the non-violence philosophy. We all should learn from an our LGBT communites should know much more about him also and other courageous figures in the Civil Rights and LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.. we thank you very much for posting this short but beautifully made documentary. Maybe in the future you might be able to make a longer for us thank you again

[@fa1ma1a]

Same here

[@donaustin7374]

What did god say about men laying with men?

[@sjenner76]

I knew of Bayard Rustin and his role in the Civil Rights Movement. And I knew he was gay. But I never knew this side of this great man’s story. Thanks for sharing it!

[@ivan_14_]

There should be a movie about him

[@AR-kj8xx]

I agree

[@FaiaHalo]

I agree

[@DatBoi-rd5tx]

No there shouldn't

[@shdwrio3057]

Dat1Boi629 . . . Come on now 😂

[@ladmyn2726]

@@DatBoi-rd5tx Why not? He was a great man unafraid to show who he was and helped to change the world but didn't receive nearly as much credit as he deserved. And in times like these, I think we need another hero like him.

[@anndillm]

Thank you for sharing this story. It's important to hear that there are people of all types standing up for healthy communities These are the stories that help build bonds!

[@dasit1965]

anndillm the thing about him is, he was in favor of blackface, and hated affirmative action

[@elris452]

happy pride month 🌈 really loved this story. kinda sad that people don’t know much about him.

[@nou6374]

Nam Balloon we don’t care though

[@kelssssssssssssssss]

Nam Balloon ARMYY😭💓💓💓💓

[@pincmin]

I do care so. Happy pride month 🌈✊

[@MrBombastix1]

Pride month? Tf is that

[@milkycereal6621]

I don’t care if he’s gay or not but 27-60 ish... what the fuck

[@siewheilou399]

And it took so many years, and his lover to bring this part of history to light.

[@SpottedCat.]

we need to learn about him in our schools!!!!

[@fairwarning4267]

Why?

[@SpottedCat.]

American Patriot because literally no one even knows about him. Plus our schools need to teach about the Gay Civil Rights movement

[@fairwarning4267]

​@@SpottedCat. I teach on the history of gay civil rights and how one man begged to save them. However this is what happened... (Genesis 18:31-33) "And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake. And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake. And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place." (Jude 1:7) "Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." (Leviticus 18:22) "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." (Leviticus 18:24-30) "Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God."

[@howHumam]

A good man true to himself. Know love, however that works out...

[@johnDingoFoxVelocity]

and this usually happens people from the LGBTQ Community are constantly erased from history or forgotten by history. it's quite sad at times

[@jcortese3300]

How you know you're an early music nerd: you watch this cool video about an amazing man of great historical significance, and when you see him holding a lute, you're like OMG HE'S A LUTENIST!!!!!! :-)

[@s_e_r.]

Janis Cortese omg. Same

[@Usef1371]

Wow... Never cease to amaze me how many wonderful Afro-Americans that we have in this country

[@aroundthegoodworld]

Love the way this story unfolds! You're such a great inspiration for my channel. Keep it up :)

[@polishherowitoldpilecki5521]

Bayard Rustin broke so many barriers before 2015.

[@coleman6036]

I just discovered Rustin tonight and everything I have heard so far, I love. There is so much to learn from this amazing man.

[@JacksonCaesar]

This is just one of many African Americans who have been overlooked or ignored. I enjoyed this introductory documentary. I'll stay tuned for more. Thank you!

[@gilbertescalante6736]

"Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness... --Isaiah 5:20

[@JonSanders]

27 and 65??!!!! Not judging, but that's crazy 😂 Love that he's telling his story ❤

[@milhouse14]

He should be in history books and his life should be studied in all schools.

[@honeyccampbell8687]

I’m so proud of my son selecting him for his Black History and Civil Rights Project! 💜✨🙌🏽

[@ahmad.tillery.1987]

RIP Bayard Rustin and happy heavenly birthday

[@TheKingOfWaves]

Thank you for everything you’ve done Bayard Rustin and may you Rest In Power

[@bigblackoilymen417]

I am very shocked because he is a good man and there is nothing wrong with him. The thing that hurts me most is that sometimes people see this on there recommended and then ignore it. It really hurts to see that this has only 100k+ views. This needs to have 3-10 million views bc people need to know about him

[@paolabueso]

So inspiring! Thank you for sharing this.

[@klomax7089]

Just watched Rustin today, and it was an awesome movie. It was just 2 years ago that I found out HE was truly the March on Washington. My husband and I learned about this at the National Civil Rights Museum in Atlanta.

[@vickyvien]

This is amazing, I never knew about him until now.

[@Sidney72958]

Great video! I'd heard the name Bayard Rustin, and knew of the leaders in the movement who weren't as visible because of their sexuality but i don't know if i realized that he was one of those leaders! Great video!

[@linneaandersson2519]

Gay, black in the 60s, and married to someone of the different race. This guy had all of the odds against him.

[@muthatucka7436]

My first time ever hearing of Walter Naegle. Interesting.

[@camadams9149]

So basically... he was the brains behind the entire thing & then got zero credit or recognition. Well that is ON BRAND for historians

[@guynorth3277]

This is a great video, a wonderful story, more. I was looking for information on Bayard Rustin.

[@emilylugo8492]

#LoveOverBias🌈🌈🌈🌈❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@diebloxgamer2]

Gross

[@asmrpsy1672]

Being lgbt can be so hard

[@EthanW0804]

Mr. White that’s like saying “don’t be Asian” or “don’t be black” being LGBT isn’t a choice

[@EthanW0804]

Mr. White You can’t choose to not be the race you’re assigned with..?

[@EthanW0804]

Mr. White How? You can’t just say “I’m this race/ this gender” when you’re born.

[@EthanW0804]

THE FBI IS WATCHING Why?

[@EthanW0804]

Mr. White So you think that people who aren’t straight should pretend that they are and live in fear? I don’t think so.

[@kme321]

How strange, never heard of him. Good upload,

[@facebooking1507]

What’s the name on he piano song

[@AnitaCock]

Here in ATLANTA, each year on the morning of the MLK MARCH, the L/G/B/Q community has it's annual ' Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Breakfast' which honors namesake icons, celebrates progressive community, and supports organizers, artists and others actively involved in social change work. Not only was Rustin the architect of the 1963 March on Washington, he also co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) & expanded King’s understanding about (Mahatma) Gandhi’s nonviolent principles.If you haven’t heard much about Rustin, it is because he operated in the shadows. Not because he was still in the closet but because he realized being gay was considered a liability. (it was a HUGE TABOO in the 1960's) Rustin died in 1987 at age 75.

[@warmac88]

Another part of America history that should not be forgotten!

[@rhijulbec1]

How beautiful. And how sad. Jenn 💖 in Canada 🍁

[@lucileo8530]

omg i never heard of hem thx so much i think ima post hem on instagram

[@stephaniesilvia9977]

Thank you for sharing your story and his story. So we can all learn.

[@PriyaSingh-zi6ee]

Nobody can defy Nature's laws.. truth shall prevail

[@sstellr]

Nature is gay too!

[@saturn6784]

Correct. Only one species in Nature is homophobic!

[@aislewong587]

Wow give a heart please

[@user-gz2ws1zg9s]

EVERYBODYS A STUPID IDIOT EXCEPT ME LOL!!

[@LL-xv4nn]

Imagine if your dad walked into your house holding hands and kissing another Man 🤔 Think about that...😬

[@minns5515]

Sad to say I never heard of him much respect

[@GiftedSince92GiftedSince92]

Great video! I love learning about lgbtq history. Bayard Rustin did a GREAT job making a contribution to the Civil Rights movement. His story is inspiring! That was cool for his partner to share his story and I respect people for who they are period! You have a new subscriber! I enjoyed this video. Keep up the great work!

[@murrrlinnn]

He’s so in love this is so cute

[@ajeetalbert91]

Love comes irrespective of sex,religion,race or language with one exception - ME! Single forever!

[@what5598]

We need to put him in history books and be recognized as an important person, even though he wasn't as famous like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. Because people should remember that even though you are gay, that people don't respect you of you being gay and all, it doesn't mean you can't stand up for what you believe in. Like Bayard Rustin, he was gay and a Civil Rights Activist. We could teach children and people that you shouldn't be angry or ashamed of yourself because of who you are, and that you do what you believe in even as a person that people hate to see: gay, bisexual, or straight.

[@nicfeller]

You should watch Coleman Hughes New York Time's video on Bayard Rustin!

[@greghuffman3061]

Christopher Hitchens introduced me to this character. RIP hitchens

[@Fieldsherbert]

In 1958, Martin Luther King, Jr. was writing an advice column for Ebony Magazine called, "Advice for Living." I found excerpts of his column in "The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr. - Volume IV: Symbols of the Movement January 1957-December 1958" released by the "Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr." Sounds like a credible source. MLK received the following question from a young man and here's how he replied: Question: My problem is different from the ones most people have. I am a boy, but I feel about boys the way I ought to feel about girls. I don't want my parents to know about me. What can I do? Is there any place where I can go for help? MLK Answer: Your problem is not at all an uncommon one. However, it does require careful attention. The type of feeling that you have toward boys is probably not an innate tendency, but something that has been culturally acquired. Your reasons for adopting this habit have now been consciously suppressed or unconsciously repressed. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with this problem by getting back to some of the experiences and circumstances that lead to the habit. In order to do this I would suggest that you see a good psychiatrist who can assist you in bringing to the forefront of conscience all of those experiences and circumstances that lead to the habit. You are already on the right road toward a solution, since you honestly recognize the problem and have a desire to solve it.

[@waynedevonald9335]

Great Man! His life would make a great musical!x

[@dominicspatola1774]

There's a school near West Chester, PA named after him.

[@yolostoneheart6023]

#POWERFUL

[@Aiden-lv5yf]

I have never heard of him but he seems inspirational

[@MrsSANDRALMOSLEYIII]

Freedom! For All NOT SOME!!!! BRILLIANT MAN! HOW WE SCREW THE WORLD WITH PASSING JUDGEMENTS.

[@sophiamason1732]

Happy Pride Month

[@ayanuddin5547]

I saw a ad about gay people before starting vid

[@speedy7152]

how tf did i get to Advenger infinity war this i fell inspired

[@premapoojitanananda7947]

Incredible story 🤗💜🌺

[@lesliemiller2170]

I just heard about him from reading black bottom saints

[@killeww]

WOW! A 40 year gap!? Just wow man

[@quathadonful]

Roman J Esquire brought me here

[@ericlin7023]

Would love to see a video about James Baldwin!

[@bentcn8511]

Why wasn't he in history lessons?

[@professorrosenstock5026]

Binh TC Nguyen Lgbtq stories aren't taught in school and sadly many black people shun men like Mr Rustin due to homophobia in the community.

[@masonallen3961]

Mr. Bombastix We've always been real. You just can't pretend like we don't exist anymore. We're sick and tired of being shoved aside and now we're getting back.

[@AnitaCock]

cause back then, public education wasn't to the FAR LEFT as it is today.

[@johnnyjoestar5193]

Cuz he isn't as important as other things like ww1, ww2, Civil war, Revolutionary War, Napoleonic Wars, etc

[@patrickpenick3637]

If you're interested there is a really good portrayal of him in the movie boycott that does well emphasize the type of influence he had on MLK

[@QuestionEverything562]

He was MLK's handler, and he setup their sex parties as well. They were sexual fiends, especially Rustin Bayard.

[@heywardsanders1680]

This only tells me things about the civil right movement, just like the entertainment movement, and how much influence they have under the table. Who changed the course of the country, and how they silenced those had spoke out against them. Who partners with the law enforcers like the number backers are. Controlling communities in disguise, is the reason groups opposed certain actions coming through communities was pushed in the spotlight as the number one enemy against change. Who wanted change but not the way those who was controlling the communities move-swing. Where they were targeted to find anything against them, even if they have to create lies. Where the lies had dissected many because the truth was not strong enough to bring them down. Where many had to lose their life because of having to much knowledge in how things are functioning in the country. Where the dissectors also learn how to play people against each other to keep them a part from coming together, which is still taking place today. Where they will keep so much conflict around to tire up the minds on other subject, to cover up what they are doing. See the gay movement has a history of controlling people thinking, and designing the system exactly the way they want. Because so many leaders of all kinds have their weak points, in eating out the dissectors hands. Which make it hard for the country to pull itself out of the pass because the dissectors only want people to think one way in pulling the country out, and it is by following the gay movement as being the leading force in the country. Who allow those backward leaders the opportunity to eat just enough as their limited thoughts will allow them, because they know they are their worst enemies.

[@ButterflySeraph612]

For once, a video on Great Big Story about with an LGBT subject that has a proper like-dislike ratio!

[@diegobrando838]

What

[@mozart7074]

03:00 serious music

[@edwardscherry3004]

I bet he knew were all the most happening gay bars were!

[@rosalyn6344]

His dream didn't fully developed.

[@guyhercules645]

How can you say he was pushed aside because he was gay? There were many powerful people who existed in these times that we probably don't know about not because they were gay but because of the influence and impact other leaders had that were more powerful.

[@pinksuiteheart6974]

I literally only know about this man *because* he was gay and that's wild

[@alexsegu2712]

Bayard Rustin was the power behind Martin Luther King Jr. At least he did not get assassinated unlike his black straight brothers. And yet he faced double discrimination.

[@jasoncarrizales]

We all have stories, lord knows I do! 🇺🇸 🌈😎🤓🌈

[@susboy7927]

WHY SO MANY DISLIKES

[@chloeholmes4641]

Because the right are snowflakes and want to whitewash history to fit their agenda! 🙄

[@bemindful724]

I wish the title had read, "Black Civil Rights Leader Nearly Erased From History." After that, you could proceed in relating his sexuality to his inability to rise within the movement and the lack of acknowledgement for his contribution's to the Civil Rights Movement.

[@grammernotzi]

38 years older...

[@jessicaseven5054]

Concerteza um grande homem 😍

[@jamespurcer3730]

I am a straight, white guy, but I am studying and following the way of the ELCA, one of the many flavors of the Lutheran tradition. We believe that God, and by natural association, all of the Trinity, is based on the absolute love that God has gifted us with - the love of all of God's children. This love that we practice has no conditions or limitations. All are welcomed.

[@jamespurcer3730]

BTW, That last phrase that I expressed "all are welcomed" reflects

[@killerfoxraspberryplays8903]

Yet we still didn’t get included into the civil rights act only woman and race got included...

[@boyinblue.]

On the track to educate myself on the black lgbtqia+ people who helped get our rights. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

[@chloeholmes4641]

Marsha P. Johnson and Silvia Rivera are definitely two trans people if colour you should look into! If it weren't for them pride, wouldn't be a thing!

[@boyinblue.]

@@chloeholmes4641 Thank you, much appreciated.

[@deviskitchencorner]

👏👏👏

[@liamfeeley5114]

Cool story but it’s kind strange that he adopted him

[@mrfunky1768]

Egadd!!!! The gay white community love these type of stories where they are still the central theme to our experiences, my question is why, did he seem to e around only gay white men...speak to that.

[@MrsSANDRALMOSLEYIII]

I Cant Find How HE Passed Away! 2024 Jan. NOW THERES A MOVIE ABOUT HIM! ANOTHER HIDDED FIGURE!

[@Brutuscomedy]

Something tells me you may be like the one Jesus loved. I mean, it's a theory but has some merit. Thank you for this vid!

[@beanz8630]

Ok boys keep looking

[@petergrant3407]

That’s cool and all but that age gap is fucking wierd

[@HS-wx1ni]

He was a great leader. He did, however, to the right later.

[@bruhmoment6625]

Wait, he adopted him as a son and then they ere partners?

[@Artemis583]

No. Watch it again. Videos have playback nowadays lol.

[@yamindapage1963]

So, Byron should have had at government holiday!!! Along with Malcolm X...

[@shivsah9299]

They forgot to mention the bayard Rustin HIgh school .

[@bizarreisthenewblack]

awh, him having to adopt him, it's sad